Diving in for fun at deep end
IT’S a sport blowing up on the world stage and underwater hockey is fast emerging on the Townsville scene.
Originally developed by the British navy in the 1950s and given the name Octopush for navy SEALS training in winter, the underwater version of one of North America’s favourite pastimes sees a puck filled with lead dropped to a 2m depth as submerged teams of six-a-side battle it out underwater.
Described as akin to “taking a cold shower and holding your breath while someone kicks you in the head”, Townsville Tiger Sharks’ “presidente” and “head sharky” Sarah Weekes said the sport was no longer lurking in the depths.
“It became international pretty quickly and now it has worldwide competition,” she said.
“We started our club four years ago to make what was just a few boys having fun on a Wednesday night a regular thing and it went from there.
“We’ve had two players represent Queensland in men’s Masters, and Australia will be hosting the World Championships for the first time on the Gold Coast in 2020.”
While the Tiger Sharks have a competitive team which plays against the likes of main rival Cairns, Weekes said the club offered social competition.
Offering a strong mix of varying fitness opportunities and played with fins and snorkels, she said the club, which plays out of Long Tan Memorial Pool, offered competition every Monday and Wednesday from 7-8pm.
For information, visit Townsville Tiger Sharks Swimming Club on Facebook.